Geelong forward Ollie Henry remains in the frame for a Round 1 appearance despite a recent ankle injury.
Henry missed his side's final practice match due to the ailment, which has hampered his preparations for the season ahead.
The Cats listed Henry's absence as a precaution, however the athletic forward is still needing to pass fitness tests at training to be in the clear to face St Kilda next weekend.
The former Magpie has revealed he should be fit in time for his side's season opener at Kardinia Park, with Friday's session a likely indicator of his playing chances.
"It's all gone pretty positively," Henry told K Rockย on Friday.
"Get through training today, and (I) should be in good stead to be right to play, which will be nice."
Henry is looking to back up his strong opening season in the hoops this year, having booted 41 goals from 22 games to support leading forwards Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins.
While Henry should face the Saints on March 16, the Cats will be without senior pair Cameron Guthrie (quad) and Gary Rohan (back) for the start of the 2024 season.
Guthrie's absence is likely to open the door for second-year midfielder Jhye Clark, who missed a majority of his rookie season at Geelong with a foot issue.
Young ruckman Toby Conway and exciting forward Ollie Dempsey are also pressing their case for an early season call-up following impressive pre-seasons.
The Cats will also be buoyed by having the likes of Jack Henry, Mark Blicavs, Cameron and Hawkins available to start the year after the quartet missed the end of 2023 through injury.
Geelong will host St Kilda at GMHBA Stadium next Saturday to open their 2024 campaign, with a Round 2 trip to Adelaide to follow.
